(Adults and Children ≥12 yr): Apply small amount 5 times daily to sores on lips or face until healed.
US Brand Names⬆⬇
Abreva
Action⬆⬇
Prevents herpes simplex virus from entering cells by preventing viral particles from fusing with cell membranes.
Therapeutic effects:
Reduced healing time.
Decreased duration of symptoms (pain, burning, itching, tingling).
Classifications⬆⬇
Therapeutic Classification: antivirals (topical)
Pharmacokinetics⬆⬇
Absorption: Unknown.
Distribution: Unknown.
Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.
Half-Life: Unknown.
Time/Action Profile⬆⬇
ROUTE
ONSET
PEAK
DURATION
Topical
unknown
unknown
unknown
Patient/Family Teaching⬆⬇
Instruct patient on correct technique for application of docosanol. Cream should only be applied to lips and face. Avoid application in or near eyes. Emphasize handwashing following application, or touching lesions to prevent spread to others or to other areas of the body.
Advise patient to begin application of docosanol at first sign of a sore or blister, even during prodromal stage (feeling of burning, itching, tingling, numbness).
Inform patient that docosanol reduces duration of herpes simplex virus episodes but does not cure the virus. Viral reactivation may be triggered by ultraviolet radiation or sun exposure, stress, fatigue, chilling, and windburn. Other possible triggers include fever, injury, menstruation, dental work, and infectious diseases (cold, flu).
Advise females of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
Advise patient to notify health care professional if lesions do not heal in 14 days or if fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes occur.
